While most of the Muses have a rich history to draw from, Polyhymnia is perhaps the most elusive of them all. Polyhymnia is the muse of sacred poetry and hymns, a solemn figure who rules over the contemplative, eloquent, and sacred aspects of Greek literature and mythology. What is more intriguing is that she not only patronized sacred hymnology, but also dance, agriculture, geometry, and the silent art of pantomime. Let’s explore what we can learn about the enigmatic, sombre figure of Polyhymnia.
Polyhymnia Key Facts
| Parents | Zeus and Mnemosyne |
| Consorts | Cheimarrhoos (in some traditions), Apollo (in some traditions) |
| Siblings | Calliope, Clio, Erato, Euterpe, Melpomene, Thalia, Terpsichore, Urania |
| Offspring | Triptolemus (by Cheimarrhoos), Orpheus (by Apollo or Oeagrus, in some sources) |
| Other names | – |
| Greek name | Πολύμνια (Pol’ymnia) |
| Roman Name | Polyhymnia |
| Domains | Sacred poetry, hymns, dance, eloquence, agriculture, pantomime, sometimes geometry and meditation |
| Symbols | Veil, long cloak, pillar, pensive pose, scroll, agricultural tools, lyre (occasionally) |
| Best known myths | Inspiration of sacred hymns, mother of Triptolemus, association with Orpheus, role in the Pierides contest |
Name and Etymology
Polyhymnia’s name derives from the Greek poly- (“many”) and hymnos (“hymn” or “praise”), which translates to “the one of many hymns” or “she of many praises.” The variant “Polymnia” is also found in ancient texts.
Her name suggests an association with hymns and religious praise, as well as with the divine through song and ritual.
Domain and Symbolism
Polyhymnia is primarily the Muse of sacred poetry and hymns, but her domain also includes dance (particularly ritual dance) and eloquence. She is an enigmatic figure linked to meditative contemplation, solemn ceremonies, and spiritual inspiration. As a Muse, she influenced poets who wrote hymns for rituals and religious festivals, as well as odes to or for the gods themselves.
Aside from her religious and solemn nature, Polyhymnia was known for the subtle and silent art of pantomime. Finally, the grave muse was associated with both agriculture and geometry. Impressive domain, isn’t it?
Polyhymnia is always portrayed in a serious, pensive, and meditative manner. Her typical iconographic characterics include:
– A long cloak and veil, as a solemn and decent figure
– A finger held to her chin, suggesting silence, contemplation, and reverence
– An elbow resting on a pillar or block, as a contemplating figure
– Sometimes a scroll, lyre, or book, indicating a connection to poetry and music
– Agricultural tools, occasionally
Polyhymnia is frequently depicted alone, absorbed in thought. In ancient and Renaissance art, her introspective and contemplative nature is consistently emphasized.
Family and Relationships
Polyhymnia, like all the Muses, is the daughter of Zeus (king of the gods) and Mnemosyne (Titaness of Memory). She has eight sisters: Calliope, Clio, Euterpe, Erato, Melpomenea, Terpsichore, Thalia, and Urania. They preside over all arts and sciences, but Polyhymnia specializes in sacred hymns.
While Polyhymnia was not officially associated with any consorts, some accounts suggest she had relationships with Cheimarrhoos, Apollo, or Oeagrus. Through her relationship with Cheimarrhoos, she had Triptolemus, a key figure in the Eleusinian Mysteries who is associated with agriculture and the spread of farming knowledge. She also had Orpheus, either by Apollo or Oeagrus, in accounts where Orpheus is not credited as Calliope’s son.
Polyhymnia in Mythology
Sacred Inspiration and Hymns
Polyhymnia’s primary role in mythology is as the divine source of religious hymns and sacred poetry. She is invoked by poets who write hymns or poetry for rituals, religious festivals, and other pensive occasions. According to Diodorus Siculus, Polyhymnia was the one who distinguished writers so much that they achieved immortal fame.
Polyhymnia, because by her great praises she brings distinction to writers whose works have won for them immortal fame.”
Diodorus Siculus, Bibliotheca Historica
Ritual Dance, Pantomime, and Meditation
Beyond vocal music, Polyhymnia inspires ritual dance and pantomime, which is the silent, expressive enactment of stories or prayers. In Nonnus’ Dionysiaca, she is depicted as the “nursing mother of the dance,” capable of communicating meaning without words, “speaking with hands and moving eyes in a graphic picture of silence full of meaning”. She was always present in religious ceremonies, where movement, gesture, and silence were equally essential as spoken words.
Finally, we should keep in mind that the Ancient Greeks were well-known for connecting philosophy and science. On that note, Polyhymnia is also known as the Muse of Geometry and Meditation.
Patronage of Agriculture
In some traditions, Polyhymnia is associated with agriculture, most notably as the mother of Triptolemus, who disseminated farming secrets to humanity on behalf of Demeter. This final role connects Polyhymnia to the religious aspects of the harvest and the Eleusinian Mysteries.
Participation in Mythic Events
Polyhymnia appears in stories involving all of the Muses, including the famous contest with the Pierides (Pierus’ daughters). When the Pierides challenged the Muses to an artistic competition, Polyhymnia was one of the victorious sisters, who turned the challengers into chattering birds as punishment for their arrogance. She also attends mythological events such as the wedding of Cadmus and Harmonia and the burial of Orpheus.
Depiction and Characteristics
Polyhymnia is one of the most recognizable Muses in both ancient and modern art, thanks to her distinctive meditative pose. She is usually seen seated or standing, draped in a long cloak and veil, resting her elbow on a pillar or block and pressing a finger to her lips in a gesture of thoughtful silence.
When she is not in a contemplative pose, she is often holding a scroll, book, agricultural tool, or lyre.
Polyhymnia is depicted as the embodiment of reverence and inner focus in Greco-Roman mosaics, frescoes (including those from Pompeii), and later classical and neoclassical sculpture. This serious and mysterious quality sets her apart from her often more exuberant sisters.
Worship and Cult
The Muses as a collective were widely worshipped throughout ancient Greece, particularly at Mount Helicon in Boeotia, Mount Parnassus, and Pieria in Macedonia. Polyhymnia did not have a significant independent cult, but she was honored as part of the Muses in temples, shrines, and at festivals.
A spring on Mount Parnassus was said to be sacred to the Muses, including Polyhymnia, and the Pythia (Delphi priestesses) used its waters for oracular purposes. During religious festivals, particularly those involving the Eleusinian Mysteries or seasonal agricultural rites, Polyhymnia-inspired hymns and dances were central.
Legacy and Influence
Mentions in Ancient Texts
Polyhymnia is mentioned in many ancient sources. She is listed among the nine Muses in Hesiod’s Theogony, and Diodorus Siculus credits her with bringing distinction to authors through her “great praises”. In his Dionysiaca, Nonnus refers to her as the “nursing mother of the dance”.
“Polymnia nursingmother of the dance waved her arms, and sketched in the air an image of a soundless voice, speaking with hands and moving eyes in a graphic picture of silence full of meaning.”
Nonnus, Dionysiaca, 5.88
Artistic and Literary influence
Polyhymnia’s pensive image inspired artists to create representations of meditation and sacred inspiration. Artists from antiquity to the Renaissance and beyond (e.g., Friedrich Ochs, Giovanni Baglione, Francesco del Cossa) portrayed her as a symbol of religious and intellectual rigour.
Her influence extends into literature and music, as the archetypal source of inspiration for composers, hymn writers, and even those working in nonverbal arts like dance and mime.
Modern Culture
Polyhymnia is less well-known in modern culture than her sisters because she was not as extravagant. She appears in modern fiction on rare occasions, usually with her sisters, and also in Dante’s Divine Comedy.
Conclusion
When envisioning a solemn figure with gravitas and an inward turn, Polyhymnia is the key. She embodies the sacred, contemplative component of inspiration. Polyhymnia, while less prominent than the other Muses, is evident in the sacred hymns as well as the quiet work of meditation, reflection, prayer, and ritual, showing that, at times, the greatest strength comes from within.
Frequently Asked Questions
Her name means “the one of many hymns” or “she of many praises,” reflecting her role as Muse of sacred poetry and hymns.
She is the Muse of sacred poetry, hymns, ritual dance, eloquence, pantomime, and sometimes meditation, geometry, and agriculture.
She is portrayed as pensive and meditative, veiled and draped in a long cloak, often with a finger to her lips and her elbow resting on a pillar.
She is sometimes said to be the mother of Triptolemus (with Cheimarrhoos) and, in some traditions, Orpheus (with Apollo or Oeagrus).
She was honored as part of the group of Muses at Mount Helicon, Pieria, and Mount Parnassus, especially at temples, shrines, and sacred springs.
Further Reading/References
Hesiod, Theogony
Apollodorus, The Library
Diodorus Siculus, Library of History
Orphic Hymns
Nonnus, Dionysiaca
Ovid, Fasti
Dante, Divine Comedy
Featured Image Credit: Nicola La Volpe, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
